Myōji (名字)
Definition
Myōji refers to one's family name or surname in Japanese. It is a common practice for individuals in Japan to have their family name come before their given name.
Analogy
Think of your family name as the last name on a jersey during a sports game. Just like how the team's last name represents the entire group, your myōji represents your entire family.
Related terms
Namae: Namae means "given name" in Japanese. It refers to the personal name that comes after the family name.
Kazoku: Kazoku translates to "family" in Japanese. It encompasses all members related by blood or marriage who share the same myōji.
Sei: Sei means "lineage" or "clan" in Japanese. It refers to an extended family with a shared ancestry and myōji.
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